Climate change to have impact on Nauruan workforce

The Government of the Republic of
Nauru will look closely at new research highlighting the employment
and migration challenges facing Nauruans as they come to grips with
the growing problem of climate change.

Representatives from the Economic and Social Commission for Asia
and the Pacific (ESCAP) have been in Nauru delivering their
research and recommendations after an intensive two year study
looking at how Nauruans feel about future migration.

Researchers found the interest in leaving Nauru and living
elsewhere was very low at the moment but if faced with limited
employment prospects, Nauruans would seriously consider migrating
elsewhere, preferably to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Nauru's Chief Secretary of the Department for Human Resources Mr
Bernard Grundler says the study is extremely important as it allows
the Government to effectively plan for the future and limit the
impact of losing a lot of workforce overseas due to a range
factors, most notably climate change.

"Employment prospects at the moment are excellent with the
Regional Processing Centres and other infrastructure works moving
ahead, but we just do not know how much of an impact climate change
may have on our economy so it is best we prepare for what could
happen."

Mr Grundler said climate change has the potential to seriously
erode traditional Nauruan employment sectors like fishing and
mining, leaving locals to consider employment away from the
island.

"Migration on many levels can bring benefits to the Nauruan
economy. They can receive skills and education overseas and in time
bring them home while those who may stay working overseas would
also help our economy by sending part of their pay packet home in
the form of remittance."

The ESCAP research also found the current employment prospects for
Nauruans remain positive but warned upskilling and continued
education of the workforce is vital to ensure continuing growth and
sustainability.